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The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes: Volume 1
This work contains six stories taken from the end of Sherlock Holmes's career as a detective and involve theft, murder and the threat of a vampire.
4 pages, Audio CD
First published June 1, 1927
30 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Conan Doyle
15.9k books24.5k followersSir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was a Scottish writer and physician. He created the character Sherlock Holmes in 1887 for A Study in Scarlet, the first of four novels and fifty-six short stories about Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Sherlock Holmes stories are milestones in the field of crime fiction.
Doyle was a prolific writer. In addition to the Holmes stories, his works include fantasy and science fiction stories about Professor Challenger, and humorous stories about the Napoleonic soldier Brigadier Gerard, as well as plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels. One of Doyle's early short stories, "J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement" (1884), helped to popularise the mystery of the brigantine Mary Celeste, found drifting at sea with no crew member aboard.
Doyle was a prolific writer. In addition to the Holmes stories, his works include fantasy and science fiction stories about Professor Challenger, and humorous stories about the Napoleonic soldier Brigadier Gerard, as well as plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels. One of Doyle's early short stories, "J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement" (1884), helped to popularise the mystery of the brigantine Mary Celeste, found drifting at sea with no crew member aboard.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 17, 2012
The Problem of Thor Bridge: Another decent acknowledgement of spousal abuse, but unfortunately in this case the spouse being abused is a PASSIONATE woman from the TROPICS who loves, totally and irrevocably, with her BODY instead of her mind! ... Bleah.
The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone: It's odd to have a Sherlock Holmes story in the third person, and I think Conan Doyle could have told it from the usual point of view, if he'd really wanted to. But it's oddly touching to see Watson from the outside.
The Adventure of the Creeping Man: It is truly, truly unfair of a mystery writer to make the plot depend on the use of a dangerously powerful fictitious "serum" that works in a completely unscientific way. I'm not shocked by Conan Doyle the medical doctor writing atrocious science, not now that I know about his immensely credulous devotion to Spiritualism at the end of his life. But he should have kept it in his science fiction, where it would be merely disgusting, rather than in a mystery story whose intended audience is all supposed to be trying to solve the mystery along with Holmes. Pah!
The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire: I enjoyed the placement of this story immediately after "The Creeping Man," becuase it was refreshing to hear Holmes say, "This world is big enough for us. No ghosts need apply" when discounting actual vampirism as the explanation for the mystery. But that was the only good thing about this story. We have another tropical, passionate wife. We have a sinister, effeminate 15-year-old boy who, I guess, really went wrong because his father, in response to his son's weak back, infantilizes him perhaps more than I have seen happen to any literary character with a physical disability. And then there's the tropical wife's Peruvian maid, who might possibly have been unobjectionable if her voice hadn't been so horribly mangled by David Timson.
The Adventure of the Three Garridebs: My favorite mystery in this set -- the villain has a clever scheme! The only thing that marred it for me is limited to the audiobook version: one of the important characters is an American. David Timson does a bit better with white male Americans who are not from the South and have been in England for some time, but it's still grating.
This is also the one in which Holmes reveals his Great Heart to Watson, who has to be injured before he can see it. Watson, you poor thing.
The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier: This one, narrated by Holmes, begins on a totally adorable note. "Watson had at that time deserted me for a wife ... I was alone" and perhaps this gives Holmes greater interest in the case presented to him by Mr. James M. Dodd, who has lost his mate and is most endearingly emoted by David Timson:
The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone: It's odd to have a Sherlock Holmes story in the third person, and I think Conan Doyle could have told it from the usual point of view, if he'd really wanted to. But it's oddly touching to see Watson from the outside.
The Adventure of the Creeping Man: It is truly, truly unfair of a mystery writer to make the plot depend on the use of a dangerously powerful fictitious "serum" that works in a completely unscientific way. I'm not shocked by Conan Doyle the medical doctor writing atrocious science, not now that I know about his immensely credulous devotion to Spiritualism at the end of his life. But he should have kept it in his science fiction, where it would be merely disgusting, rather than in a mystery story whose intended audience is all supposed to be trying to solve the mystery along with Holmes. Pah!
The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire: I enjoyed the placement of this story immediately after "The Creeping Man," becuase it was refreshing to hear Holmes say, "This world is big enough for us. No ghosts need apply" when discounting actual vampirism as the explanation for the mystery. But that was the only good thing about this story. We have another tropical, passionate wife. We have a sinister, effeminate 15-year-old boy who, I guess, really went wrong because his father, in response to his son's weak back, infantilizes him perhaps more than I have seen happen to any literary character with a physical disability. And then there's the tropical wife's Peruvian maid, who might possibly have been unobjectionable if her voice hadn't been so horribly mangled by David Timson.
The Adventure of the Three Garridebs: My favorite mystery in this set -- the villain has a clever scheme! The only thing that marred it for me is limited to the audiobook version: one of the important characters is an American. David Timson does a bit better with white male Americans who are not from the South and have been in England for some time, but it's still grating.
This is also the one in which Holmes reveals his Great Heart to Watson, who has to be injured before he can see it. Watson, you poor thing.
The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier: This one, narrated by Holmes, begins on a totally adorable note. "Watson had at that time deserted me for a wife ... I was alone" and perhaps this gives Holmes greater interest in the case presented to him by Mr. James M. Dodd, who has lost his mate and is most endearingly emoted by David Timson:
There was not a finer lad in the regiment. We formed a friendship -- the sort of friendship which can only be made when one lives the same life and shares the same joys and sorrows. He was my mate -- and that means a good deal in the Army. We took the rough and the smooth together for a year of hard fighting. Then he was hit with a bullet from an elephant gun ... I got one letter from the hospital ... Since then not a word -- not a word, Mr. Holmes, for six months and more, and he my closest pal.This is unfortunately followed by a rather weak mystery with a large helping of ablism.
June 23, 2017
This audiobook, beautifully read by David Timson, contains half of the "Casebook" stories. My favorites of this batch are "The Problem of Thor Bridge" and "The Adventure of the Three Garridebs." "The Creeping Man" is another one I especially enjoyed, despite the fact that it's one of the less credible stories in the Canon.
February 10, 2020
Liked these stories, didn't love them. Some I found very slow moving and a few I really enjoyed. I wonder if ACD was running out of ideas for Holmes and Watson at this point.
Will pick up Casebook volume 2 at some point, but not right away.
Will pick up Casebook volume 2 at some point, but not right away.
January 14, 2022
A reading of six Sherlock Holmes stories, including:
"The Problem of Thor Bridge"
"The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone"
"The Adventure of the Creeping Man" "
"The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire"
"The Adventure of the Three Garridebs"
"The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier."
I read all of these stories in high school but had forgotten most of the details, so it was like reading them again for the first time. The story I remembered best was the Three Garridebs, not for the mystery itself but for the rare glimpse it gives of how much Sherlock Holmes cares for his friend. It's a great moment, and Three Garridebs is one of my favorite Sherlock Holmes story because of it.
"The Problem of Thor Bridge"
"The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone"
"The Adventure of the Creeping Man" "
"The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire"
"The Adventure of the Three Garridebs"
"The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier."
I read all of these stories in high school but had forgotten most of the details, so it was like reading them again for the first time. The story I remembered best was the Three Garridebs, not for the mystery itself but for the rare glimpse it gives of how much Sherlock Holmes cares for his friend. It's a great moment, and Three Garridebs is one of my favorite Sherlock Holmes story because of it.
August 1, 2016
I haven't read any of these books so I can't compare them to the other stories. The ones in this collection were alright, but nothing great.
I got this in audio book, and really it was less an audiobook and more of a radio dramatization by the BBC. I found it pretty well done.
I got this in audio book, and really it was less an audiobook and more of a radio dramatization by the BBC. I found it pretty well done.
August 27, 2025
I don't know why this particular Holmes volume was broken into two parts, but it's a library loan and they set the rules.
These are primarily adventures, not mysteries. Holmes does meet a version of Mr. Hyde and a vampire. One tale is told without Watson, what a change. They are all good, but not great stories.
Excellent narration.
These are primarily adventures, not mysteries. Holmes does meet a version of Mr. Hyde and a vampire. One tale is told without Watson, what a change. They are all good, but not great stories.
Excellent narration.
November 12, 2023
What a fun collection of Sherlock Holmes stories - and the last one in the book was a real treat: "written" by Sherlock himself, and not Watson. A great way to introduce yourself and the young readers in your family to the iconic detective.
October 12, 2023
This was enjoyable to listen to while walking my dog. The narrator does a good job with the different characters he narrates.
April 8, 2024
Excellent narration and stories!
January 7, 2025
I just like it when Sherlock is worried about Watson’s safety
May 14, 2010
3.6/5.0
Энэ богино өгүүллэгүүдийн хоёрыг нь Уатсон биш Шерлок Холмс өөрөө бичсэн.
Гэсэн ч Уатсон Холмсоос хамаагүй дээр бичдэг юм байна лээ.
Энэхүү нэгтгэлийг тоймлоод хэлэх юм бол урьд урьдынхуудаасаа илүү ахуйн шинжтэй болсон санагдсан. Тэр нь муу гэсэн үг ч биш л дээ. Зүгээр л энгийн. Илүү дэлгэрэнгүй хэлээд ч яахав дээ.
Агууламж:
Volume I:
3.9/5.0 The Problem of Thor Bridge
3.3/5.0 The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone
3.6/5.0 The Adventure of the Creeping Man
3.3/5.0 The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire
3.8/5.0 The Adventure of the Three Garridebs
3.8/5.0 The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier
Volume II:
4.1/5.0 The Adventure of the Veiled Lodger
4.0/5.0 The Adventure of the Illustrious Client
3.2/5.0 The Adventure of the Three Gables
3.3/5.0 The Adventure of the Retired Colourman
3.8/5.0 The Adventure of the Lion's Mane
3.5/5.0 The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place
Энэ богино өгүүллэгүүдийн хоёрыг нь Уатсон биш Шерлок Холмс өөрөө бичсэн.
Гэсэн ч Уатсон Холмсоос хамаагүй дээр бичдэг юм байна лээ.
Энэхүү нэгтгэлийг тоймлоод хэлэх юм бол урьд урьдынхуудаасаа илүү ахуйн шинжтэй болсон санагдсан. Тэр нь муу гэсэн үг ч биш л дээ. Зүгээр л энгийн. Илүү дэлгэрэнгүй хэлээд ч яахав дээ.
Агууламж:
Volume I:
3.9/5.0 The Problem of Thor Bridge
3.3/5.0 The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone
3.6/5.0 The Adventure of the Creeping Man
3.3/5.0 The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire
3.8/5.0 The Adventure of the Three Garridebs
3.8/5.0 The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier
Volume II:
4.1/5.0 The Adventure of the Veiled Lodger
4.0/5.0 The Adventure of the Illustrious Client
3.2/5.0 The Adventure of the Three Gables
3.3/5.0 The Adventure of the Retired Colourman
3.8/5.0 The Adventure of the Lion's Mane
3.5/5.0 The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place
May 8, 2024
1/7/2023 The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire. A little more interesting, but also a mix of disablism and exoticism to explain the apparent supernatural.
2/9/2023 The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier. Seemed longer and more interesting, but not actually much investigation required. Special feature that Holmes is telling the story himself because Watson's not around.
4/10/2023 Mazarin Stone. Fun story that's tricksy to the people concerned in the case because Holmes never leaves his flat. Features a pageboy in Holmes's employ. Also unique for being in the third person, whereas most of the stories are in the first person, usually by Watson.
4/15/2023 The Creeping Man. Pretty creepy, as might from guessed by the title.
2/9/2023 The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier. Seemed longer and more interesting, but not actually much investigation required. Special feature that Holmes is telling the story himself because Watson's not around.
4/10/2023 Mazarin Stone. Fun story that's tricksy to the people concerned in the case because Holmes never leaves his flat. Features a pageboy in Holmes's employ. Also unique for being in the third person, whereas most of the stories are in the first person, usually by Watson.
4/15/2023 The Creeping Man. Pretty creepy, as might from guessed by the title.
February 11, 2020
I don't have much to say about these stories, which is probably an indictment in itself. They were for the most part serviceable but not memorable. I will never read them again but I don't feel that I've totally wasted my time.
September 21, 2021
3.5 stars
I liked the shortness of the cases. Six cases of Sherlock and Watson are included in this audiobook. Some of better than others, but the book as a whole was creative and sleuth-worthy. The introduction and solution of the mysteries are concise and carefully crafted. I did listen to these cases and had a little difficulty with the accent but the story-telling was well done and overall I enjoyed the master-minded logic of observation.
I liked the shortness of the cases. Six cases of Sherlock and Watson are included in this audiobook. Some of better than others, but the book as a whole was creative and sleuth-worthy. The introduction and solution of the mysteries are concise and carefully crafted. I did listen to these cases and had a little difficulty with the accent but the story-telling was well done and overall I enjoyed the master-minded logic of observation.
February 28, 2012
If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, you will enjoy this audio rendition of these stories from the Casebook of Sherlock Holmes. While some purists might say these are not the best stories in the Holmes collection, they are nevertheless enjoyable. This audio book would be a welcome addition to any library.
November 1, 2017
Listened to this after listening to Steven Fry read Holmes. What a difference. Timson’s Holmes is much colder in voice, much less human than Fry’s voicing. Makes the stories appear different as a result.
October 9, 2019
Well written and I managed to solve one mystery.
January 26, 2022
excellent, of course
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews